What We Can Learn From Lamar Odom’s Personal Pain

The attached video is one of the most heartfelt commentaries Tommy Sotomayor has ever done. He’s not cursing or swearing. He’s just talking about what a lot of emotionally broken men like Lamar Odom, the late Robin Williams, the late Michael Jackson, himself admittedly, … and, truth be told, yours truly, endure every day. As man, we suffer in silence. And yet, in our society, we can’t openly talk about our suffering, for fear of being called “soft,” “weak,” or a “pussy.” We’re told to “BE A MAN!” We’re told to “MAN UP!” As men, we’re “supposed to acknowledge our pain, let alone talk about it.” This is why so many men like Odom, Williams, Sotomayor and others suffer from depression, and turn to drugs, booze, hookers and whores, or any “medication” or outlet that will help us numb the pain, albeit temporarily.

So many people were quick to judge Lamar Odom for even being at brothel, yet miss the point. This man is HURTING INSIDE, AND HAS BEEN FOR YEARS!!! His parents were both drug addicts. They FAILED him! (It almost always starts with the parents, doesn’t it?) And, although I pray that he comes out of this a better person, things don’t look good for him right now. It might be too late for him to turn it around.

Fortunately for me, yoga and meditation have helped me tremendously in battling and defeating many of my own inner demons. However, I’d be lying if I said that the battle is over. The battle is never over. Every day, I work hard to keep those voices of self-doubt, self-loathing, insecurity, bad childhood memories and experiences, and the mistakes and bad choices I’ve made at bay. It’s a constant struggle, one that I’m getting better at every day, but a struggle no less. It’s a battle that I fight as bravely and valiantly as I know how. Why? For my family. For my son. For myself. I know that if I’m going to be the man that I need to be for my family, then I have to do the tedious, hard, and oftentimes gut-wrenching work on myself.

To all of the men who read this, know this: Whatever it is that you’re going or have gone through, there is NO SHAME WHATSOEVER in admitting that you’re in pain. There’s no shame in acknowledging your own vulnerability. (I had to finally admit my own vulnerability through tears before my healing process finally began.) Surround yourself with people who genuinely love, appreciate and respect you, who will not judge you, and who really do have your best interests at heart. Because the life you save just might be your own.

Peace and blessings.

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Published by: Black Crow

I'm a certified yoga instructor, avid reader, public speaker-in-training, devoted family man, lover of blues music, the harmonica - oh, and I have a foot fetish. I blog about all things, yoga, nutrition, healthy living, meditation, personal development, and harnessing the God-given power of our subconscious mind to change our lives.
To sign up for yoga classes or to get more information about my yoga classes, email me at damartin1906@gmail.com.
View all posts by Black Crow